Charging system fault?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 2
From: Outer banks North Carolina
Charging system fault?
I've gotton this message on the "dic" display off and on for 3 years and have found out that my "99" has the 140 amp alternator made in Mexico instead of the 110 amp one made in France that most every early c-5 I've seen have. I'm so sick of this message popping up that I am thinking about buying a 110 amp alternator for the car!
Question, Will this fix the problem or not? Has any one had this problem and fixed it?
Thanks, Dave
Question, Will this fix the problem or not? Has any one had this problem and fixed it?
Thanks, Dave
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I have seen that message pop up on a few C5s in the past and it has always been at startup, In most cases it was because of a low battery after sitting over night, Is that when you see your message? I do know I have read that the 140 amp alt isn't compatable with all the C5 cars.
Mr.Bill
Mr.Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,822
Likes: 221
From: Hillsboro OR
I have seen it on my 03 Coupe also. My theory: It only seems to happen when I am a little too quick releasing the key on a start. Almost like the "system" didn't get enough time to read some voltage. That's my SWAG. (Scientific Wild-*** Guess). 
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,137
Likes: 4,156
From: Kannapolis NC
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 2
From: Outer banks North Carolina
I have seen that message pop up on a few C5s in the past and it has always been at startup, In most cases it was because of a low battery after sitting over night, Is that when you see your message? I do know I have read that the 140 amp alt isn't compatable with all the C5 cars.
Mr.Bill
Mr.Bill
Thanks Bill
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 778
Likes: 1
From: Chantilly VA
Me too! My 02 has done this maybe three times in three years. This explains the exact condition that it has happened to me. I don't fret over it, anymore. 
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 2
From: Trenton New Jersey
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluefire
I have seen it on my 03 Coupe also. My theory: It only seems to happen when I am a little too quick releasing the key on a start. Almost like the "system" didn't get enough time to read some voltage. That's my SWAG. (Scientific Wild-*** Guess).
This happens once in a while if I don't turn the key all the way/properly. Usually it happens when I'm really tired after work. It always starts though, nothing to worry about.
Originally Posted by Bluefire
I have seen it on my 03 Coupe also. My theory: It only seems to happen when I am a little too quick releasing the key on a start. Almost like the "system" didn't get enough time to read some voltage. That's my SWAG. (Scientific Wild-*** Guess).
This happens once in a while if I don't turn the key all the way/properly. Usually it happens when I'm really tired after work. It always starts though, nothing to worry about.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 216
Likes: 8
I would def check that plug in the picture Norcalvette posted above. I had the same message start displaying immediately after changing my sparkplugs. Went back over the job again to see what I might have done, since I was not getting the message before the sparkplug job, and reasoned that I must've leaned on or hit that plug on the alternator. I unplugged it, flipped it over and saw it was corroded a bit. Cleaned it up, applied a dab of dielectric grease, seated it back in the plug socket, and never got the charge system fault message again. Check it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 9,553
Likes: 32
From: California
St. Jude Donor '09
From what I've read, yes the early year C5s need the correct amperage alternator. My 02 had this problem 2 weeks ago and my problem was burnt contacts in the ignition switch.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Overheating
I've had the Charge System Fault pop up on my 04 a few times and not certain what the cause is. Nothing i have been able to associate with it's coming up. Seems to be just another of those annoying messages. I swear the GM Elactrical engineers that worked on the C5 were imported from Lucas Electric....
I keep the car on a tender when not being driven so I don't think mine is from low battery.
I keep the car on a tender when not being driven so I don't think mine is from low battery.
"My Dad's a TV Repairman"
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 471
Likes: 153
From: San Diego
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Other than the fact that you have a 2004 Corvette, your issues have absolutely nothing to do with this 4 year old thread you just resurrected. You might want to consider posting a fresh thread, and clearly articulate the who-what-when-why-where and any other useful tidbits like what codes you have and... Well, enough said.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,698
Likes: 1,210
From: Aiken, SC
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '26
Hmm, just a little edgy today...
Buffy - Top left of the C5 General page. Click on new topic. Post your issue and you will get help.
Good Luck!
BTW - Have you popped the hood and checked the belt?
Buffy - Top left of the C5 General page. Click on new topic. Post your issue and you will get help.
Good Luck!
BTW - Have you popped the hood and checked the belt?
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Sapulpa Oklahoma
TIA!
Dell